Marrying a fashionable upper with an unconventional midsole, the Cloudflyer looks like it might be better suited as casual wear than performance running. But this lightweight stability shoe from the relatively new Swiss brand delivers a mix of cushioning and support that won’t slow you down—or make you look slow. We found it works well for those needing a little extra stability from their shoe, as well as for runners whose form falls apart when they tire toward the end of hard, fast workouts and races.

Matt Rainey

This uptempo shoe won’t be confused with pillowy-soft models, but it is more forgiving than some other racy versions. That’s because of the “clouds” underfoot, which collapse individually with each footstrike to deliver some impact absorption. “It allows for a nice, cushioned feel without the weight of traditional foam,” says one tester. Unlike some softer shoes that use extremely lightweight materials, we’ve found those pillars hold up to high mileage, so you get protection late in long runs.

Another neat trick performed by the sole’s pods is that, as the top and bottom layers come into contact, they provide a firm platform to push against, delivering the go-fast sensation of less-cushioned performance trainers.

Midsole

Much like the first iteration of the Cloudflyer, this one features the widest cloud pods of any of the company’s shoes. But this update gets a softer foam to increase comfort. The pods under the heel in particular are configured so they compress more easily on the lateral (outer) edge of the shoe—thanks to larger holes—than the pods under the medial (inner) edge and arch, which use smaller openings to resist collapsing and provide stability.

Our wear-testers found the combination of light cushioning and stiff pods worked for quick runs, without feeling clunky. Though some noted the shoe is stiff—as confirmed by tests at the Runner’s World Shoe Lab.

Matt Rainey

Outsole

If there’s a single knock against the Cloudflyer, it’s about the sole. A number of wear-testers reported that the shoe feels a little slippery on wet roads, but the largest complaint was over the shoe’s segmented design: “These shoes constantly got rocks stuck in the bottom, both in the spaces, and directly into the sole,” one tester reported. “It made for uncomfortable runs and lots of stopping.” The rubber, however, showed very little signs of wear during our test period, and we like that it’s limited to the high-friction areas (heel and forefoot), helping to keep the shoe’s weight in check.

Upper

“Form fitting” is how testers described the Cloudflyer—it is snug through the midfoot and arch, but widens at the ball of the foot. “The fit was roomy enough to feel comfortable, but did not feel loose with a little extra width,” said one runner. We found the lacing strangely satisfying: Laces pass through the bottom three eyelets and criss-cross, creating what On calls a “star-lacing system.” Combined with slightly stretchy laces, it’s easy to dial in a great fit.

Back at the heel, a newly designed counter—the plastic piece on the outer part of the shoe—has been beefed up to keep your heel centered over the most stable part in the rear of the shoe.

All the Stats You Need!

Men’s

Weight: Light | 9.2 oz

Heel-To-Toe-Drop: High | 10.8 mm

Heel Height: Moderate | 32.4 mm

Heel Cushioning: Very Firm

Forefoot Height: Moderate | 21.6 mm

Forefoot Cushioning: Very Firm

Flexibility: Very Stiff

Stability Features: Moderate

Energy Return: Moderate

Women’s

Weight: Light | 7.5 oz

Heel-To-Toe-Drop: High | 10.6 mm

Heel Height: Moderate | 30.9 mm

Heel Cushioning: Very Firm

Forefoot Height: Moderate | 20.3 mm

Forefoot Cushioning: Very Firm

Flexibility: Very Stiff

Stability Features: Moderate

Energy Return: Moderate

We put each shoe through real-world usage and a battery of mechanical tests in our lab to provide you with objective—and exclusive—data. In addition to measuring a shoe’s weight, we measure sole thickness (everything that sits between your foot and the road), how well the foam cushions your stride, and the flexibility of the forefoot. All this is taken into account in our reviews of each shoe.

A Part of Hearst Digital Media
Runner's World participates in various affiliate marketing programs, which means we may get paid commissions on editorially chosen products purchased through our links to retailer sites.